The main problem is that most commentators are accustomed to thinking of spiritual schools as 'systems', which are more or less alike, and which depend upon dogma and ritual: and especially upon repetition and the application of continual and standardised pressures upon their followers.The Sufi way, except in degenerate forms which are not to be classified as Sufic, is entirely different from this.
Idries ShahFrom time to time ponder whether you are unconsciously saying: 'Truth is what I happen to be thinking at this moment.
Idries ShahThe chicken had his wish, and was magically transformed into a fox. Then he found that he could not digest grain.
Idries ShahMany things which are called 'secrets' are only things withheld from people until they can understand or effectively experience them.
Idries ShahThere is a succession of experiences which together constitute the educational and developmental ripening of the learner, according to the Sufis. People who think that each gain is the goal itself will freeze at any such stage, and cannot learn through successive and superseding lessons.
Idries Shah